1. Benefits of Study Groups & Characteristics of Successful Groups
Starting a Study Group
& Characteristics of Successful Groups

2. The Benefits of a Study Group
A study group can help to “pick you up” when you find that your motivation to study is slipping.
The other members can be seen as a source of encouragement.

3. Benefits of Study Groups
You may be reluctant to ask a question in class and may find it easier to ask it in a small group setting.

4. Benefits of Study Groups
Working with a group may help you to feel more like you want to succeed so that you don’t let the group down.

5. Benefits of Study Groups
Group members will listen and discuss information and concepts during study sessions.
This helps to strengthen auditory learning which is a key teaching style in most classrooms.

6. Benefits of Study Groups
One or more group members are likely to understand something you do not.
This may bring up ideas you never considered before.

7. Benefits of a Study Group
You can learn valuable new study habits from other members in the group.

8. Benefits of Study Groups
You can compare your notes with those of the other group members and fill in any gaps.

9. Benefits of Study Groups
Teaching/explaining information and concepts to the other group members will help you reinforce mastery of the information and concepts.

10. Benefits of Study Groups
Let’s face it—studying can be boring. Interacting with other group members can make studying enjoyable.

11. Getting a Study Group Started
Study groups don’t just happen
Look around your classes to find…
Students who are motivated to do well
Students who understand the subject matter
Student who are dependable
Students who are open minded
Students who you would like to work with

12. Starting a Study Group
A good size group will have three to five members.

13. Starting a Study Group Decide how often and how long you will meet
2-3 times a week may be best
Be sure to include times for breaks
60-90 minute sessions are best

14. Starting a Study Group Decide when and where you will meet
A classroom free of distractions
A study room in the library

15. Starting a Study Group Decide on the GOALS of the group
Comparing and updating notes
Discussing readings
Preparing for exams

16. Starting a Study Group
Decide who the leader will be for the first meeting
Decide whether it will be the same leader or a rotating leader
The leader will be responsible for meeting goals of that study session

17. Starting a Study Group
Clearly set an agenda for the first study session
Set the responsibilities for each of the members of the group

18. Characteristics of Successful Study Groups
Each group member contributes
Active listening is a key component
Group members work together to solve issues
Group members are prompt and ready to work

19. Characteristics of Successful Study Groups
The group stays on task in reference to their agenda
Group members show respect for each other
Constructive criticism is the only criticism
Group members feel free to ask one another questions
Agendas are set for the next study session
Above all, the positive attitude of “We can do this together” is maintained

20. How to combat taking a test
Studying for Tests
How to combat taking a test

21. Before the test… Find out the following information
What material will be covered
What type of test it will be (m/c, t/f, short essay, etc)
How the test will be graded
How much the test will count

22. Before the test… Study in a place free from distractions
Study at a time when you are alert and not hungry
Study short sessions for several days instead of one long study session the night before
Set a goal for each study period

23. Before the test….
Repetition is key…read and re-read your class notes and relevant chapters
Summarize your notes out loud
Create your own study aids
Flashcards
Outlines
Timelines
Your own quiz

24. During the test… Read the instructions carefully
Read the entire test through before starting
Answer the easiest questions first
Leave the most time for questions with highest point value or that require a lot of writing
Leave time to check over your work
Write clearly

25. After the test…
When the test is returned, read the teacher’s comments and try to learn from your mistakes
Save tests for later review and end-of-term tests